YPG/PKK terrorists digging trenches, tunnels in N.Syria

By Mohamad Misto and Adham Kako

AYN AL-ARAB / ANKARA (AA) - Despite the agreement between Turkey and Russia for the pullout of YPG/PKK terrorists from northern Syria, they still occupy Ayn al-Arab, or Kobani, and continue to dig trenches and tunnels, local sources told Anadolu Agency on Saturday.

Under the agreement reached Tuesday in Sochi, Russia, the YPG/PKK must pull back 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Turkey’s border with Syria within 150 hours.

However, the terrorists have been loading tires and fuel into tunnels and trenches some 18 km (11.1 mi) from the Turkish border, said sources on the ground.

Turkey’s counter-terrorism operations in northern Syria since 2016 have found that YPG/PKK terrorists dug many tunnels in Tal Abyad, Ras al-Ayn, and Afrin.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK.

Since 2016, Turkey has conducted three successful operations in northern Syria against the terrorist YPG/PKK and Daesh (also known as ISIS): Operation Euphrates Shield (2016-17), Operation Olive Branch (2018), and Operation Peace Spring (launched on Oct. 9).

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas